Gilded Age Essay | Essay

Gilded Age

Summary: A look at the Gilded Age (late 1800's) and the reason it is called Gilded Age

The "Gilded Age" is an accurate name for the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Gild refers to something that is gold plated, and in this case is a metaphor and describes how this age may appear attractive, but underneath the deceptive layer of gold lies an unforgiving reality. The technological advances in this time period did not reverse the low standard of living for the everyday person. Businessmen in this age made advances not for humanity, but to make themselves millionaires and billionaires. Not only were the economic and social balances disrupted, but also the government had many problems. Due to the deceptive appearance and harsh realities, Gilded Age is an accurate description of this era.

During this time, the economic scheme, capitalism, that this country was founded upon shattered. America's basic principle is that...